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Volunteering with Kids

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When children have the opportunity to serve in their community, they develop a desire to help others and make a difference. Not only do they become more aware of others who are less fortunate, they will learn to appreciate the blessings in their own lives.  Kids who serve others are more likely to give of their time and treasures for a lifetime. When you choose a family service project, try to pick something that excites or interests your children because they are much more likely to become invested in the project and glean more enjoyment from helping others. Here are some ideas to get you started.

            Organize a drive

            Collect coats, hats and gloves, blankets, diapers, school supplies, toiletries, toys or clothing to donate to those in need. Have the kids clean their rooms and sort through items that are in great shape but are no longer needed. Many organizations will collect these items to give to shelters, foster care or victims of fire. Check with the organization you are planning on donating to in order to find out specific items that are most helpful.

            Fill the food pantry

            Talk with your kids about others who may not have enough to eat. Take them shopping to choose their favorite nonperishable items for meals and snacks to donate to a local food pantry. Try going door to door in your neighborhood to collect even more items. You can also leave a note on doors in your neighborhood stating what organization you are donating to and give a date in the future when you will return to pick up items.

            Work outdoors

            Help a neighbor, friend or family member who may be unable to do yard work. Offer to rake leaves, pull weeds, plant flowers or mow the lawn. Ask whether there are other projects like painting, gardening or maintenance your family can help with.

            Work in the kitchen

            Everyone loves cookies. Get the kids to help out in the kitchen by baking up some tasty treats to share with friends and neighbors. Consider taking them to a local police or fire station to show your appreciation for their hard work in the community. If you know a family in need, consider taking them a meal and, if appropriate, deliver it as a family.

            Send cards

            Words of encouragement, handmade cards or coloring pages are a great way to brighten  soldiers’ days and show your appreciation for the sacrifice they are giving for our country. This is a good opportunity to talk to kids about soldiers, veterans and the American freedom they defend.  Nursing homes also appreciate delivery of items like these for their residents. A handwritten note can brighten residents’ days, especially if they are not able to regularly have visitors because of the pandemic.

            Help a four-legged friend

            Animal lovers will enjoy volunteering at a local animal shelter. Typically, shelters need help walking dogs, cleaning cages and giving lonely animals attention. Oftentimes shelters can also use donations of food, cat litter, bedding and cleaning supplies. Contact your shelter to see whether there are things your family can donate as well.

            Give back to Mother Earth

            Kids who love nature may enjoy volunteering to clean up a local park, adopting a street in your city or cleaning up the green space in your own neighborhood. Contact your local school or church to see whether there is landscaping that needs attention. Kids can help plant trees and flowers, pull weeds and lay mulch. They will see the beauty of their hard work in no time.

            Donate proceeds

            Do you have a budding entrepreneur in the family? Consider hosting a lemonade stand, garage sale or bake sale and donating the proceeds to the charity of your choice. This is a great way to teach kids money management, marketing, sales and other business skills while helping others in need.

            Get moving

            If your family loves to exercise and be active, consider participating in an awareness walk or run that benefits an organization that is important to your crew. This will give you an opportunity to raise money and stay active while helping others.

            Craft time

            For families that love creating, find a project that will use your interests to help others. Make blankets, hats or scarves to donate to a shelter or hospital, make pet toys for an animal shelter, or create suncatchers or Christmas ornaments for a nursing home. The possibilities are limitless.

            Pay it forward

            Teach your kids the value—and fun—of paying it forward. Pass out Popsicles to your mail carrier or garbage collector; deliver flowers to the receptionist at school, librarian or someone you appreciate; pay for the person behind you in line at the coffee shop; deliver donuts to someone who is having a difficult day; send a card to a grandparent; or have your kids come up with ideas of how they could spread kindness in their community. Your family can declare a day of kindness and plan fun ways to surprise others and brighten their day or choose ways to spread cheer each day in big or small ways.

            These are just a few ideas for how you can serve your community—there are countless others. When parents take the time to serve others, their kids will see volunteering as a priority and develop a desire to give back as they become adults.

Benefits of Volunteering with Kids

Sarah Lyons is a freelance writer and stay-at-home mom living in Olathe with her husband and their six children.

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